Following numerous bids by the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to call a snap election, the deadlock has finally been broken. MP’s voted 438-20 in favour of the general election and the date has been set for 12 December. This near-unanimous support for the general election following three prior failed bids comes after the second Brexit deadline of 31 October passing with no deal yet in place between the European Union and the U.K.
Read MoreWith on-going uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the talks of dramatic policy changes under the new Government, being aware of the potential impacts Brexit could have on your UK-based pension may help you get and remain ahead with your pension. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has signalled that Britain will leave the EU by the October 31 extended deadline with or without a deal if no agreement has been reached.
Read MoreAfter receiving the go-ahead, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is implementing amendments that change the way QROPS providers handle transfers and deal with financial advisers. The amendments bring in stringent new rules both for advisers and asset/investment restrictions. Following news of these regulatory changes, Australian and New Zealand pensioners with their pensions in Malta-based overseas schemes are being urged to check whether their pension pots are at risk and whether their financial advisers can still act and work on their behalf.
Read MoreIain McCombie is the investment manager of the Baillie Gifford Managed Fund that Ranfurly invests in. McCombie is an AA-rated manager, meaning that McCombie has beaten his bench-mark over a three-year period. This coveted rating is assigned to fewer than 25% of fund managers and provides a clear sign of their performance.
Read MoreAccording to US News, New Zealand was ranked first place for the best country for a comfortable retirement in 2019. Chosen for its high quality of life, retirement and social support, climate, culture and natural beauty, New Zealand is already a popular destination for those looking to retire. With some planning and help from a reputable pension transfer services firm, make your retirement journey smooth and efficient.
Read MoreAround 4,700 qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) transfers were carried out during 2017/18. Of these, only 30 transfers were required to pay the 25% Overseas Transfer Charge (OTC) that was introduced in March of 2017. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs had predicted £65 million in tax revenue from the tax, however, only £1.4 million has been raised since the enactment of the charge.
Read MoreA recent report by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that 47% of advice on defined benefit to defined contribution pension schemes was 'unsuitable’. Following this, the FCA has introduced new rules and guidelines for pension transfer specialists and consultants.
Read MoreWith the recent confirmation by a number of UK advisory firms that they will not be giving advice to clients looking to transfer out if their pension schemes, it is recommended that those considering transferring out of their UK defined pension scheme do so sooner rather than later.
Read MoreThe financial world is a maze of jargon that investors and savers must cut a path through to find the information they want. Here is a guide to some of the more common financial phrases, used in both NZ and the UK, that you may need to know to help you understand pensions.
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